Arsenal injury news: Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini 'fit to play' against Newcastle United

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed both Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini are expected to be ready for the Premier League game against Newcastle United, even though the pair were replaced at half-time during the 4-1 victory over Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday 9 December.

The Gunners responded to the disappointing defeat to Stoke at the weekend with a comfortable win at Turkey on 10 December, with braces from Lukas Podolski and Ramsey.

However, the result was not enough to top Group D as Borussia Dortmund avoided defeat in their final group game against Anderlecht.

Wenger rested a number of key players, including Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla and Danny Welbeck ahead of the Newcastle match.

He gave starting chances to various players who have failed to get regular game time during the first part of the campaign, including Podolski, Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell.

But there were some injury concerns at the Emirates Stadium when Flamini and Ramsey were replaced by academy duo debutants Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Gedion Zelalem.

However, Wenger has played down the concerns, claiming it was just a precaution and the pair are expected to be ready for the game on Saturday.

"Ramsey had a hamstring, but should be alright for Saturday," the manager said, according to Arsenal's official website.

"Flamini had a calf, but should be OK."

Meanwhile, Ramsey confirmed the news. He said: "I felt a bit of a tight hamstring at half time, so I came off as a precaution with the game against Newcastle at the weekend."

The news will be a relief for Arsenal fans ahead of the game at the weekend, especially considering that key midfielders Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere are still on the sidelines.